Father’s Day Messages | 140 Ideas & Quotes

Father’s Day is a great way of celebrating the dads in our lives, but finding the right words to use in a Father’s Day message can be tricky. Even professional writers can find it hard to express deeply held feelings in a way that won’t be corny or seem insincere.

And then there is the issue of sensitivity—many men yearn to be dads, but for various reasons haven’t been able to. What about dads who have lost their child? Father’s Day can be especially painful for people in these situations. Then there are stepdads, fathers-in-law, estranged dads, and an apparently infinite number of permutations.

Whatever your particular circumstances, this article has ideas and advice to help you choose and craft the perfect message for Father’s Day this year.

You can also use QuillBot’s free Paraphraser to help you find the right words for your Father’s Day message.

Meaningful Father’s Day messages

It can be so difficult to find a Father’s Day card that comes with a message that completely expresses our feelings. Try some of these meaningful messages, remembering that you can tweak them to make them completely personal.

• Wishing you a joyful Father’s Day filled with love and happiness! Thank you for guiding me through life.
• Dad, thank you for being our family’s strong foundation, for your constant love and support, and for always being there for me.
• Dad, your guidance and wisdom have made me who I am today. Thank you.
• You’ve always been my hero, the person I trust, and a true friend. Your love and support are everything to me. Happy Father’s Day!
• Dad, I’m so thankful for your constant strength, wise advice, and unwavering support. I deeply appreciate everything you’ve done. Happy Father’s Day!

Funny Father’s Day messages

For good or ill, the “dad joke” is a cultural phenomenon. Perhaps there’s no better time to get your own back than on Father’s Day. Here are some suggestions for dad-joke-worthy messages.

• My existence is the best gift you’ve ever received. Happy Father’s Day!
• Happy Father’s Day to the man who communicates best through comfortable silence.
• Happy Father’s Day to the dad who protected me fiercely and still sees me as his little prince/princess.
• Happy Father’s Day! May your day be filled with joy and minimal … bodily noises.
• To the dad who always pretended to be the expert: Thanks for guiding us to the real experts online. Happy Father’s Day!
• Happy Father’s Day to the dad who enjoys a well-rounded selection of beverages.
• Dad, thanks for capturing our lives on camera, even if your artistic vision is … unique. Happy Father’s Day!
• Pretty sure I won the dad lottery.
• Turns out, dad, your wisdom increased significantly as I got older. Funny how that works.
• Thinking of you on Father’s Day, even if my social media boundaries remain firm.
• Thanks for being the ultimate negotiator with mom on my behalf.
• Happy Father’s Day to the master of strategically ignoring us. Love you!
• You’re welcome for this special day dedicated to you, dad! Happy Father’s Day!
• I’m not kidding when I say you’re the best dad. Happy Father’s Day!
• Happy Father’s Day from the one who kept life interesting (you’re welcome).

Short Father’s Day messages

Sometimes less is more. Perhaps your dad isn’t going to wade through a long, effusive message and you want to keep it short. Here are some suggestions for a short message on Father’s Day.

• Dad, I’m so grateful for all you’ve given me. This day is dedicated to you.
• You’re the person I look up to more than anyone else.
• Thank you for being the best dad a person could ask for.
• Dad: A true testament to endless patience.
• Wishing a Happy Father’s Day to the most awesome dad around!
• You’re simply the best, dad. I love you dearly!
• My happiest memories are all thanks to you, dad.
• There’s no other father in the world quite like you.
• For being everything I needed and more, thank you, dad. You inspire me daily. Happy Father’s Day!
• Dad, you’re fantastic! Wishing you a very happy Father’s Day!
• I couldn’t ask for a better example to follow than you, dad.
• I feel so proud to be your son/daughter.
• You’re my only Dad, and you’ll always hold a special place in my heart.
• Happy Father’s Day to the hero I’ve always looked up to.
• I feel incredibly fortunate to have you as my dad.

Sweet Father’s Day messages

In his song “Boys Don’t Cry,” Mikolas writes, “Sometimes I want flowers too,” and dads can feel left out of some of the sweet things that children do for their moms. So here’s a selection of sweet messages to send on Father’s Day.

• Whether I’m nearby or far away, dad, I’m always so grateful for the wonderful father you are. Happy Father’s Day!
• With a dad as amazing as you, who needs superheroes? Happy Father’s Day!
• Dad, even when we’re apart, I can still feel your support. Happy Father’s Day!
• Having you as my father makes every day feel like Father’s Day.
• Happy Father’s Day to my guiding light and closest friend. Thank you for being such an incredible dad and an inspiration to us all.
• Happy Father’s Day to the man who taught me life’s essential skills and encouraged me to pursue my dreams.
• You’re my real-life superhero, dad. Thanks for always being there to save the day.
• Dad, your love gives me the confidence to chase my goals. Thank you for your constant belief in me.
• Spending time with you is one of my greatest joys. Love you, dad.
• It’s amazing to think that I’m now the one who feels immense pride because of you.
• Dad, I notice and appreciate everything you’ve done for me, today and always. Thank you.
• It’s hard to put into words how much you mean to me, so I’ll just say it simply: I love you.
• Happy Father’s Day to the person who inspires me most. I couldn’t have navigated life without your support.
• Everyone says it about their dad, but I truly believe you’re the best in the world. Happy Father’s Day.
• I’m so lucky to have you as my dad; it’s something I’m truly thankful for.

Father’s Day messages from a son

Perhaps sons are the worst at expressing emotion to their dads. To help you out, here are some suggestions for son-to-dad messages.

• Dad, you were my first buddy, my closest pal growing up, and you’ll always be a friend I cherish. Happy Father’s Day!
• From the kid you used to carry on your shoulders to the man I am today—my respect and love for you grow stronger every year, dad.
• Happy Father’s Day to the man who showed me how to be courageous, how to care for others, and how to live life to the fullest.
• Dad, you’ve been the one I’ve looked up to for advice and direction. The man I’ve become is a reflection of your influence.
• Knowing I have your unwavering support gives me confidence in every decision I make. Happy Father’s Day, dad!
• To my hero, no cape required! Happy Father’s Day, dad. You always come through for me.
• Dad, you’ve always held a special place of honor in my life. Wishing you a Father’s Day fit for a king!
• Your wise words and kind actions have always shown me the right path. Happy Father’s Day, dad!
• Dad, you’ve taught me how to be strong and resilient. Thank you for your constant support.
• Happy Father’s Day to the man who’s always been my biggest supporter and the one I can always talk to.
• Dad, your generosity and strength have shaped the world around me. Thank you for everything you do.
• You’ve been my steady support, my protector, and the teller of the best stories. Happy Father’s Day, dad!
• For all the games you coached, the lessons you shared, and the love you’ve given me—thank you, dad.
• Dad, you’ve always been the man I admire most. Wishing you a fantastic Father’s Day!
• The love and laughter you bring into my life fill me with happiness. Happy Father’s Day to the best dad a guy could ask for!

Father’s Day messages from a daughter

Some people think that the father-daughter relationship is one of the sweetest, maybe because it is often easier for a daughter to express sentiment to her dad. Here are some messages for a daughter to send to her dad.

• Dad, no matter how old I get, I’ll always be your little girl at heart.
• Through all the years, dad, my love for you remains as strong as when I was a little girl. Happy Father’s Day!
• Happy Father’s Day! Even though I’ve grown taller, I still look up to you immensely.
• I feel so much pride in being your daughter.
• Thank you for being the most amazing dad a girl could ask for. I’m so lucky to be your daughter.
• Happy Father’s Day from your daughter, who feels like the luckiest girl in the world.
• I don’t know where I’d be without your wisdom and support.
• Happy Father’s Day to the most kind, wise, and warm-hearted person I know.
• Sending lots of love to the dad who tried his best to keep me on the straight and narrow… from the daughter who definitely kept things interesting!
• Happy Father’s Day! You’re welcome for the gift of having me as your daughter.

Happy Father’s Day messages for a stepdad

Stepdads are often just as important and special as birth dads. Here are some suggestions for messages to those dads in that position.

• You came into my life and really stepped up to the plate. Thank you for everything. Happy Father’s Day!
• The love a stepdad gives is truly special because it’s a conscious decision. You chose to be there for me, and that means the world.
• Happy Father’s Day from the kid who came with the package!
• What makes a family isn’t about sharing the same DNA; it’s about the love and dedication you’ve shown. Happy Father’s Day!
• I don’t think of you as a stepdad; I just think of you as my dad, who came into my life when I was (add age here). Happy Father’s Day!
• Having a great stepdad like you can truly make a huge positive difference in a kid’s life. Thank you.
• Thank you for always including me and treating me as one of your own. Happy Father’s Day!
• It makes me happy that you’re my stepdad. And hey, you’re stuck with me now! Happy Father’s Day!
• I feel so fortunate to have you in my life as my stepdad.
• You’re not just any stepdad; you’re a fantastic one. Happy Father’s Day!
• While anyone can father a child, it takes a truly special person to be the kind of stepdad you are. Happy Father’s Day!
• Being a parent is about the love you give, not about biology. Thanks for being a great dad to me.

Happy Father’s Day messages for your father-in-law

Sometimes a father-in-law fills just as special a place as a birth father, so it’s good to have something to say that recognizes that.

• Happy Father’s Day! Your wonderful stories and the way you bring joy to our family are truly appreciated. Enjoy your special day to the fullest!
• You’ve welcomed me into your family as if I were your own child from the start. Thank you so much! Happy Father’s Day.
• To an incredible father-in-law: Your support and care mean the world. Today, we celebrate everything you do for us. You’re simply the best! Happy Father’s Day!
• I’m so grateful for all the guidance you’ve given me and for the times you’ve helped me out. Happy Father’s Day!
• Happy Father’s Day to my father-in-law, a man who has dedicated his life to his family. We love you!
• Thinking of you today and wanting you to know how much you mean to all of us. Hope you have a fantastic Father’s Day!
• Having you as my father-in-law has shown me just how important and special that role can be. Wishing you a very Happy Father’s Day!
• Happy Father’s Day! You bring so much happiness into our lives, and for that, you deserve the very best day.
• I truly value all the memories we’ve made together over the years, and I’m so thankful to have you in my life. Happy Father’s Day!
• From my perspective, there’s no difference between a father and you as my father-in-law, because you’ve always treated me like your own. Happy Father’s Day!
• You’re such an amazing person, and no one could ever take your place in our lives. I hope my own children grow up to be just like you. Happy Father’s Day!
• I must have done something right to have such an understanding and supportive father-in-law like you. Happy Father’s Day!

Messages for your grandpa on Father’s Day

Grandpas are dads too, of course, so it can be a nice touch to send them a card on this special day.

• Sending you extra love on this Father’s Day, grandpa. Hope it’s a fantastic one!
• Grandpa, our wonderful family is largely thanks to you. Here’s to you today.
• Our family wouldn’t be nearly as special without your guidance and leadership.
• Happy Father’s Day, grandpa. I hope to be at least half the person you are someday.
• You’ve been an amazing example for all of us. Thank you for everything, grandpa.
• Thinking of you with love today, Grandpa. Happy Father’s Day!
• Happy Father’s Day to a grandpa who’s truly grand in every way.
• I’m so thankful for all you’ve done for me and for the love you always share. Happy Father’s Day, grandpa.
• Grandpa, I hope you know how much you mean to me. Thank you for being such an incredible dad to our family and a wonderful grandfather to us all.
• Thank you for being the strong, comforting, and joyful presence in our family. Thinking of you today.
• Wishing you a wonderful Father’s Day, grandpa! Know that your whole family is thinking of you.
• Grandpa, I hope your Father’s Day is filled with peace, love, and happiness. Sending you all my love today and always.
• It’s truly great to have someone like you in our family. Happy Father’s Day, grandpa!
• I really admire the man you were and the man you are today. Thank you for showing me how to live a meaningful life.
• Happy Father’s Day, grandpa! Your love has shaped our family in the most wonderful ways.

Father’s Day messages to your husband or partner

Perhaps your children are too young, or you just want to express your admiration for your life-partner’s parenting skills. Here are some suggestions for messages to him.

• Happy Father’s Day to the man I love and the incredible father of our children. You brighten every single day.
• Being on this parenting journey with you makes everything worthwhile. Happy Father’s Day!
• Watching you as a dad brings me so much happiness. Happy Father’s Day, my love.
• Together, we’ve built such a wonderful family filled with love. Thank you for being an amazing partner and father.
• Happy Father’s Day to my partner in life and love. Every moment with you is an adventure.
• Our kids are so lucky to have you as their role model! Happy Father’s Day.
• You fill our home with so much love and laughter. Happy Father’s Day to my amazing partner.
• Happy Father’s Day! Every day with you adds another loving chapter to our family’s story.
• Your strength and tenderness are what hold our family together. Happy Father’s Day, my love.
• To the man who is the heart of our family, thank you for your love and laughter. Happy Father’s Day!
• Happy Father’s Day to the man who fills our lives with joy and our hearts with so much love.
• You are our family’s hero. Happy Father’s Day to my loving partner.
• Together, we’ve created a beautiful life woven with love. Happy Father’s Day to my soulmate and best friend.
• Happy Father’s Day to the best father, partner, and co-parent a person could ask for! We appreciate you more than words can say.
• Seeing you as such a wonderful father makes my love for you grow even deeper. Happy Father’s Day!

Quotes about being a father

Perhaps the best place to leave you is with a few choice quotations from writers about fatherhood.

• John Green: “The nature of impending fatherhood is that you are doing something that you’re unqualified to do, and then you become qualified while doing it.”
• Howard W. Hunter: “One of the greatest things a father can do for his children is to love their mother.”
• Euripides: “To a father growing old nothing is dearer than a daughter.”  
• Charles Kettering: “Every father should remember one day his son will follow his example, not his advice.”
• Umberto Eco: “I believe that what we become depends on what our fathers teach us at odd moments, when they aren’t trying to teach us. We are formed by little scraps of wisdom.”
• Barack Obama: “Any fool can have a child. That doesn’t make you a father. It’s the courage to raise a child that makes you a father.”
• Reed Markham: “The quality of a father can be seen in the goals, dreams, and aspirations he sets not only for himself, but for his family.”
• Clarence Budington Kelland: “My father didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.”
• Dan Pearce: The greatest mark of a father is how he treats his children when no one is looking.”
• Jim Valvano: “My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person: he believed in me.”
• Johann Friedrich von Schiller: “It is not flesh and blood, but the heart which makes us fathers and sons.”
  

  Frequently asked questions about Father’s Day messages

  What’s a good Father’s Day message to a friend?

  Writing a good Father’s Day message can be difficult! This can be especially true if the dad in question isn’t a relation. Have no fear, here are five excellent Father’s Day messages to use for your friend:

   

  • Happy Father’s Day, buddy! Hope you have a fantastic day celebrating all the awesome things you do as a dad. Enjoy!
  • Thinking of you on Father’s Day, my friend. Wishing you a day filled with joy, laughter, and maybe even a little peace and quiet! You deserve it.
  • Happy Father’s Day! It’s been great seeing you become such a fantastic dad. Hope you get spoiled today!

  Use QuillBot’s Paraphraser to find the right words for your message.

  What are some good Father’s Day quotes?

  Sometimes an apt quote says what we struggle to put into words. With that in mind, here are some of the best quotes about Father’s Day:

  • Howard W. Hunter: “One of the greatest things a father can do for his children is to love their mother.”
  • Charles Kettering: “Every father should remember one day his son will follow his example, not his advice.”  
  • Clarence Budington Kelland
    “My father didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.”

  Dan Pearce
  “The greatest mark of a father is how he treats his children when no one is looking.”

  Is it Fathers Day or Father’s Day?

  Both “Father’s Day” and “Fathers’ Day” are grammatically correct, and they both make sense. But the traditional usage is to use the singular “Father’s Day.” That way, it means we are celebrating the individual dad in question, rather than all dads.

  If you’re writing a Father’s Day message, QuillBot’s Grammar Check can make sure everything is grammatically correct.